SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

The Special Educational Needs Policy is informed by current practice and legislation and is subject to a regular cycle of monitoring, evaluation and review. The school shares an inclusive vision of excellence for all. The message of the Warnock Report, written in 1978, remains equally valid today - “The purpose of education is the same; the goals are the same. But the help that individual children need in progressing towards them will be different.” Further details about provision for pupils with special educational needs are available on request to the school.

A child who has a learning difficulty that requires special provision has special educational needs. Children who have a statement of special educational needs will have a review of their statement before transferring from the First School to Kirkburton Middle School. The purpose of this review is to decide whether the curriculum at Kirkburton is suitable and whether the school can meet the child’s needs. Provision for pupils who have a statement of special educational needs will be additional to, or different from, the educational provision made generally for children of the child’s age.

Kirkburton Middle School has a Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the special needs policy, liaises with and advises other teachers, co-ordinates the provisions, maintains the special needs register, liaises with parents, external and support agencies and who contributes to the in-service training of staff.

Pupils with Special Needs are withdrawn, possibly to work in the Learning Support area, or are supported in normal teaching groups according to needs and available resources. The philosophy of the school is one which accepts that all staff have a responsibility towards the development of all our pupils. Pupils with Special Needs are therefore predominantly taught by all staff which ensures a high degree of integration with all the benefits that this brings.

It is the policy of Kirkburton Middle School to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all children while recognising that children’s progress may differ. The objective is to ensure that all pupils’ expectations are raised and to respect and value all individuals in school.